Washington Camping
The thought of camping in Washington seems like being on the other side of the world to us because we live in Alabama. Parts of it are over 2,600 miles from home, so we tried to see everything possible during our time there. We camped in two state parks, two National campgrounds, and a Harvest Host. The highlights of our time in Washington were its two National Parks, Rainier and Olympic. We visited cities of Seattle, Tacoma, and Federal Way, plus the small towns of Packwood, Orchard Bay, Bremerton, and Kitsap. It was a whirlwind, but we loved our time in this beautiful state.
Trinity Gardens Lavender Farm
Our first night of Washington camping was a one-night stopover in the small town of Quincy at a Harvest Host. It was a pleasant with rows of lavender and mountains as our view. The hosts provided a flat gravel site and we were the only ones there. It was dry camping, but we managed fine as it was not hot. We purchased a few lavender products as repayment for our stay.
It was very windy while we were there, but the area was lovely. They also are a venue for weddings.
Dash Point State Park
Next, we visited Dash State Park, located on Puget Sound. It is very lush and green. The park was quite shady and the temperatures while we were there were nice. The park is located next to several cities, so there was a lot to do.
There is a very shaded trail to the beach that I did with our pup. The trail was wet and slippery in places. Going down wasn’t bad, but I called my husband to pick us up instead of hiking back.
The beach was a surprise to me. It appeared that the water was low. It was too cold and windy for the water, despite it being mid-June.
Because the campground is close to Seattle, we took a day trip and visited Pike Place Market. It is massive with much of it underground. We had the best New England chowder ever at Pike Place Chowder. They have won lots of awards and there was quite a line.
Next, we had a scenic dinner on the water. I had some wild-caught salmon, which is a Washington must have.
Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier was on our bucket list and we stayed two nights at Silver Springs Campground near the park. It was dry camping in the middle of the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Big trees and lots of shade made it cool in the daytime, but we needed heat at night.
There wasn’t much nearby and it was nice to spend a couple of days away from crowds and concrete.
Mount Rainier, at an altitude of 14,411, is the most glaciated mountain in the lower 48 states. It is also an active volcano with 25 named glaciers. The Paradise Visitor Center was the highest elevation that we could access. Another area has a higher altitude, but it was not yet open while we were there.
We saw several waterfalls. I hiked to the bottom of Narada Falls. It wasn’t bad, but I was wishing I had my hiking poles because it was slippery. Since I didn’t fall, it was worth it.
Rainier and the surrounding peaks were all around, so it was a very scenic drive. Temperatures were mild to chilly, depending on the altitude.
Manchester State Park
Our next Washington camping was at Manchester State Park,also on Puget Sound. It was the nicest Washington campground on our trip because it was very well-maintained and beautiful. It seemed somewhat tropical with enormous trees and ferns. We had a dry camping site one night and water and electric for the next.
There wasn’t a lot to do in the area, but we enjoyed a slower pace for a couple of days.
The water on the sound was very pretty and there were lots of wildlife.
We saw some really cute geese.
Olympic National Park
Lastly, Olympic Park was our last Washington stop. We just had one night in the area, but it was enough time considering we are not able to do any serious hiking.
One problem was happily solved. We didn’t fit into our site in the campground where we had reservations. Miraculously, a spot was available in the RV Park. Disaster averted! It was tiny, but it worked for us.
Crescent Lake is a big attraction at Olympic Park. It is very beautiful.
The Lodge is right next to the RV Park. We spent a couple of hours in the saltwater pools there. We also had a delicious breakfast there.
Washington Camping, In Conclusion
Washington wasn’t exactly what I was expecting because it was more beautiful than I had imagined. It was so green! But, the driving was far worse than expected with weary curvy, mountainous roads and locals who are accustomed to going faster than we felt capable towing a trailer. My poor husband had to do it all because he is a much better driver. Despite that, I am so glad we had the opportunity to see this beautiful state!
If you would like to read about our other adventures, check out our page, States Visited, a Campsite Resource.
Safe travels!
